Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Top 5 for a home gym
Our #1 pick is the Bowflex Results Series SelectTech. Adjustable dumbbells replace a wall of fixed weights with one pair. We compared dial, pin, twist and plate-loaded sets from Bowflex, PowerBlock, NordicTrack, Core Fitness and FEIERDUN.
How we picked: we shortlist by Amazon Best Seller rank and number of ratings, then compare published specs. We don't test these products hands-on.
By Jamilur Rahman, Founder & Editor · Updated October 15, 2026
- Owner reviews checked
- Features side by side
- Quick & easy compare
- Smarter purchase
The short answer
For most home gyms, the Bowflex Results Series SelectTech is the set to buy. It is the newer version of the famous SelectTech 552 idea: turn a dial at each end and the dumbbell picks up the plates you need, from 5 to 52.5 lb per hand. The listing says the pair replaces 15 separate weights, and it now uses metal plates and a locking system with storage trays included. It is the fastest, simplest way to go from curls to presses without loading a single plate.
If you want to grow stronger for years, the PowerBlock Elite EXP starts at 5–50 lb per hand and can be expanded to 70 or 90 lb with add-on kits, with a 5-year home warranty. The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight 55 lb goes slightly heavier out of the box and has a 10 lb handle for light work. The Core Fitness set changes weight with a one-handed twist and feels most like a normal dumbbell. On a tight budget, the FEIERDUN DS2 is a plate-and-collar set that converts into a barbell and kettlebell for well under $100.
Skip the Bowflex if you lift heavy already. At 52.5 lb per hand it will cap your presses and rows within months, and the dial design is long and does not like being dropped. Those lifters should start with the PowerBlock and its expansion kits. Also skip all dial-style sets if you do fast, sweaty HIIT with throws or slams: a set of fixed rubber dumbbells is safer for that. Checked October 15, 2026; prices are bands, not live quotes.
Compare them side by side
Everything that matters, in one table. Swipe to see all 5.
| Product | Best Overall Bowflex Results Series SelectTech Dial adjustable dumbbell pair |  Best for Growing Strength PowerBlock Elite EXP Expandable pin-select dumbbell pair |  Best for Fine Steps NordicTrack Select-a-Weight 55 lb Selector adjustable dumbbell pair |  Most Like Real Dumbbells Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells Twist-lock adjustable dumbbell pair |  Best Budget FEIERDUN DS2 5-in-1 Set Plate-loaded convertible set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore | 92 / 100 | 91 / 100 | 87 / 100 | 86 / 100 | 82 / 100 |
| Best for | Most beginners and intermediate lifters | Lifters who will outgrow 50 lb | Toning and light-to-medium lifting | People who want a classic dumbbell feel | Beginners on a tight budget |
| Typical price (checked October 15, 2026) | $310–$340 | $380–$400 | $370–$400 | $330–$350 | $70–$90 |
| Weight per hand | 5–52.5 lb | 5–50 lb (expands to 70 or 90 lb) | 10–55 lb | 5–50 lb | 6–22.5 lb (45 lb set) |
| Settings | Replaces 15 weights | 16 increments | 15 settings | See listing | Plate loaded |
| Adjustment | Twist dials at each end | Magnetic selector pin | Weight selector | TwistLock handle in cradle | Threaded collars |
| Extras | Storage trays, 2 months of JRNY | 5-year home warranty | Fitted storage trays | 2-year parts warranty | Barbell connector, kettlebell and push-up uses |
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BeastScore here is our overall rating out of 100, based on published specs and Amazon owner reviews. Prices change daily, so tap "View on Amazon" for today's price. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Why each one made the list
What each pick does best, where it falls short, and the typical Amazon price when we checked.
- 1. Best Overall
Bowflex Results Series SelectTech
BeastScore 92 / 100Typically $310–$340 on Amazon (checked October 15, 2026)The Results Series is Bowflex’s current take on the classic SelectTech 552. Twist the dials at each end, lift the handle out of the tray, and you have anywhere from 5 to 52.5 lb. The listing says it replaces 15 separate weights and now uses metal plates with a locking system, which answers the main complaint about older plastic-heavy sets. A non-slip handle and fitted trays come in the box, plus two months of the JRNY app. Owners like how fast changes are between sets. It is long, though, so it can bump your knees on curls, and 52.5 lb is a ceiling stronger lifters will hit.
Pros- Fastest weight changes here: just twist the dials
- Metal plates and a lock keep weights in place
- Trays included, and it replaces 15 weights
Cons- Tops out at 52.5 lb per hand
- Long shape can hit your thighs on curls
- Should never be dropped
- 2. Best for Growing Strength
PowerBlock Elite EXP
BeastScore 91 / 100Typically $380–$400 on Amazon (checked October 15, 2026)PowerBlock is the set to buy once and keep. The Elite EXP Stage 1 runs 5 to 50 lb per hand in 16 steps, set by a magnetic pin, with 2.5 lb micro weights for small jumps. The real draw is that PowerBlock sells expansion kits to take it to 70 or 90 lb per hand, so you never need a new set. The block is compact at about 12 x 7 x 7 inches, and the steel build comes with a 5-year home warranty. The boxy shape feels odd at first, and there is no stand or tray in this listing.
Pros- Expands to 70 or 90 lb per hand with kits
- Small block shape is the most space-saving here
- Steel build and a 5-year home warranty
Cons- Boxy shape takes time to get used to
- Expansion kits add real cost
- No stand or tray in the box
- 3. Best for Fine Steps
NordicTrack Select-a-Weight 55 lb
BeastScore 87 / 100Typically $370–$400 on Amazon (checked October 15, 2026)NordicTrack’s Select-a-Weight is the main rival to the Bowflex, and it goes a little heavier out of the box, to 55 lb per hand. The listing says each dumbbell has 15 settings in 2.5, 5 and 10 lb steps, so it replaces 30 single dumbbells, and the bare 10 lb handle works on its own for light toning moves. Fitted trays have clear weight markings. It is built from steel and hardened plastic, so owners advise placing it back gently. The starting weight is 10 lb, not 5, which is heavy for some shoulder and rehab work, and it usually costs more than the Bowflex.
Pros- Goes to 55 lb, a bit more than the Bowflex
- 15 settings with small 2.5 lb steps
- Bare handle doubles as a 10 lb dumbbell
Cons- Lightest setting is 10 lb, not 5
- Plastic parts need gentle handling
- Usually priced above the Bowflex
- 4. Most Like Real Dumbbells
Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
BeastScore 86 / 100Typically $330–$350 on Amazon (checked October 15, 2026)Core Fitness is for people who hate the long, plastic feel of dial dumbbells. You set the dumbbell in its cradle and twist the handle to change weight, with one hand, from 5 to 50 lb. The listing describes a compact shape that keeps a real dumbbell feel, plus a contoured, textured grip that owners find comfortable on presses and rows. Its TwistLock system means there are no dials or pins to fiddle with mid-set. It comes with a 2-year parts warranty. The range stops at 50 lb, the listing does not give the exact number of steps, and it costs about the same as the Bowflex.
Pros- Twist the handle to change weight with one hand
- Compact shape feels closest to a fixed dumbbell
- Comfortable contoured grip
Cons- Stops at 50 lb per hand
- Number of weight steps not stated on the listing
- Shorter warranty than PowerBlock
- 5. Best Budget
FEIERDUN DS2 5-in-1 Set
BeastScore 82 / 100Typically $70–$90 on Amazon (checked October 15, 2026)The DS2 costs a fraction of the dial sets and does more jobs. It is a classic plate-and-collar design: spin the threaded knobs off, add or remove plates, and spin them back on. The listing says this 45 lb set gives 6 to 22.5 lb per dumbbell, joins with a connector into a barbell up to 45 lb, and works as a kettlebell and push-up stand too. Plates are molded with iron sand rather than loose sand, so they don’t shake, and the brand covers it for 1095 days. Changing weight is slow, which makes supersets a chore, and serious lifters will outgrow it quickly.
Pros- A fraction of the price of dial dumbbells
- Converts to a barbell, kettlebell and push-up stand
- Solid iron-sand plates and long brand coverage
Cons- Slow to change weight between sets
- Only 22.5 lb per dumbbell in this set
- Plastic plates are bulky for their weight
All 5 compared, in one look
See every pick on one chart, or tap one to put it head to head with Bowflex Results Series SelectTech. Ratings out of 10 are our estimates from published specs and Amazon owner reviews, not hands-on tests. Bigger shape = better.
- Quick changeBowflex Results Series SelectTech · 9.6/10
- Weight rangePowerBlock Elite EXP · 9.6/10
- Feel & gripCore Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells · 9.2/10
- DurabilityPowerBlock Elite EXP · 9.4/10
- Space savingPowerBlock Elite EXP · 9.6/10
- ValueFEIERDUN DS2 5-in-1 Set · 9.8/10
Which one should you buy?
Find your situation below. That's your pick.
- You want the fastest changes between exercises
- You lift up to about 50 lb per hand
- You want the familiar SelectTech design
- You expect to lift 70 to 90 lb one day
- Floor space is very tight
- You want the longest warranty
- You want small 2.5 lb jumps up to 55 lb
- You like using the bare 10 lb handle for toning
- You train with NordicTrack or iFIT already
- Dial dumbbells feel too long and awkward to you
- You want one-handed changes
- Grip comfort matters most
- Your budget is under $100
- You want a barbell and kettlebell in one set
- You are just starting out
Bowflex Results Series SelectTech
Twist a dial and go from 5 to 52.5 lb in seconds, now with metal plates and a locking system.
- 5–52.5 lb per hand
- Replaces 15 weights
- Trays included
Quick tips before you buy
Pick a max weight you will reach in a year, not today. Most people outgrow 25 lb fast on rows and squats.
Dial and selector sets have moving parts. Set them down in the tray; dropping them is the top cause of failures.
A stand at waist height saves your back from bending to the floor between every set.
Dial dumbbells are long. Check that they clear your thighs on curls and fit your bench and floor space.
Quick answers
What are the best adjustable dumbbells?+
The Bowflex Results Series SelectTech for most people: quick dial changes from 5 to 52.5 lb per hand with metal plates. Get the PowerBlock Elite EXP if you plan to lift heavier than 50 lb.
Bowflex vs NordicTrack adjustable dumbbells: which is better?+
The Bowflex starts lighter (5 lb), changes weight with two dials and usually costs less. The NordicTrack goes a bit heavier (55 lb), has small 2.5 lb steps and a usable 10 lb handle. Most people are happier with the Bowflex.
Bowflex vs PowerBlock: which should I buy?+
Buy Bowflex for the most normal-looking dumbbell and fast dial changes. Buy PowerBlock if you want a compact block that can expand to 70 or 90 lb per hand and a 5-year home warranty.
What weight adjustable dumbbells should I get?+
Most beginners do well with a set that goes to about 50 lb per hand. Lighter sets like a 25 lb pair are fine for toning, but leg and back exercises quickly need more.
Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?+
Yes, if space is tight. One pair replaces 15 or more fixed pairs, which would cost more and fill a whole rack. The trade-off is that they are slower to change than grabbing a fixed dumbbell, and they don’t like being dropped.
Can you drop adjustable dumbbells?+
You shouldn’t. Dial and pin sets have parts that can crack or jam. Plate-loaded sets like the FEIERDUN handle bumps better, but none of these are made for throwing or slamming.
